Melanie Dickie

Melanie Dickie is a Master's student under the supervision of Dr. Stan Boutin at the University of Alberta. Following a background in bird population
studies, including an undergraduate thesis at the University of Ottawa titled
"The importance of survey timing on shorebird density estimates at East
Bay, Nunavut", Melanie made a leap to studying how human disturbance
influences predator behavior.

Human disturbances can impact predator-prey relationships by
influencing the numerical and functional response, consequently affecting
predation rates. For example, oil and gas exploration in Northern Alberta is
hypothesized to increase wolf (Canis lupus)
predation on boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer terandus caribou) by increasing spatial overlap,
increasing wolf populations, and increasing foraging efficiency. Wolves use
linear features such as seismic lines, pipelines, and roads disproportionately
to increase movement efficiency which impacts their functional response by
increasing prey encounter rates. Restoring linear features is one option to
mitigate an increased foraging efficiency, but first it is imperative to
understand which features are preferred, how they are used, and their impact on
the functional response. My research aims to assess if wolves select linear
features, and if so which types of linear
features, which biophysical attributes are important in determining their use,
and how the use of these features impacts their movement behaviors. This
knowledge can aid mitigation strategies by targeting specific features for
reclamation and linear deactivation, allowing for more effective use of
conservation resources.